National Childhood Obesity MonthAs a salon pro but also as a parent, grandparent or other relative, you have influence over the children in your life. Today one-third of U.S. children are overweight or obese, putting them at risk for adult conditions like type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure and even heart disease. September is National Childhood Obesity Awarness Month, and a good time to consider: how can you help in your role as a beauty advisor?

*When you have a child hair cut on your book or you’re expecting a client who tends to have a child wait during her service, make a bowl of fresh fruit available.

*Create a handout from downloadable information such as the Institute of Medicine’s Early Childhood Obesity Prevention Policies, and simply stack copies of the information on the front desk.

*Hold a “Middle School Beauty Night” or “Teen Beauty Night” and, along with perhaps braiding, blowouts or nail services, ask a medical professional to come and speak about maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

*Designate one Saturday quarterly or yearly “Family Day,” and provide activities, nutritional snacks and information on healthy living as well as your menu of beauty services.

For more ideas, partner with We Can!, a national movement to help children ages 8 to 13 stay at a healthy weight.

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